Something Weird Happens When You Simulate Lifeless Molecules

Ever wondered why poop smells bad or how life kicked off from simple chemistry? This video dives into the very beginning of life by exploring gene mutations, kin selection, and the so-called “selfish gene,” all through computer simulations of lifeless molecules. You’ll see how natural selection springs up even in a purely digital world, proving that evolution’s magic doesn’t need DNA to show its hand.

Along the way, host Derek Muller teams up with top scientists like Jack Szostak and John Sutherland to unpack key concepts—mutation rates, inheritance patterns, and the surprising behaviors that emerge when you let basic molecular rules run wild. By the end, you’ll appreciate how modeling the origin of life in silico can reveal big truths about biology and why—even in a simulation—those little “selfish” bits keep shaping the story of life.

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